Surname Dors - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
Dors: What does the surname Dors mean?
The surname Dors is believed to be of French origin. It is derived from a topographic name for someone who lived near the door or gate of a walled town, from the Old French term "la porte", which means "the gate or door". Upon entering the British Isles, it was phonetically adapted to "Dors". It is also thought to have been used as a nickname for someone who worked as a doorkeeper or gatekeeper. The prevalence and distribution of the surname suggest it may also have independently derived from similar roots in other regions. As with many surnames, Dors could also be a patronymic name, derived from the father's first name. Variations of the surname include Dor, Dorre, Dorr, and others. Therefore, the meaning of the surname Dors is generally associated with doors, gates, and the individuals who lived near or worked with them.
Order DNA origin analysisDors: Where does the name Dors come from?
The last name Dors is of French origin and it is believed to have been derived from the Old French word "d'Or," meaning "of gold." This was likely used as a nickname for someone with golden hair or someone of high value or worth. It may also have been used to denote someone who lived in a house or area known for the presence of gold. Over time, as people migrated, the last name evolved and spread to different areas. Some moved to England where the name became Anglicised. The most famous bearer of this surname was British actress Diana Dors. Today, it's found in various parts of the world but it's not overly common anywhere specifically. However, it might be more commonly found in England and France due to historical migration patterns.
Variations of the surname Dors
The surname Dors is thought to have originated in France, likely deriving from the Old French word "dors", meaning "to sleep". Variations or similar surnames of the same origin could include Dorsay, Dorse, Dorsey, and Dorsee.
The name may also be of English origin, where it is found in Cambridgeshire and Dorset. In this case, it may have referred to someone who lived by the gate or door, from the Old English 'dor', meaning door. Variants here could include Door, Doore, Dore, and Dorr.
The surname Dors can also have Germanic roots, where it might be a short form of Theodoric (people-ruler) or an occupational name for a doorkeeper, from the Middle High German 'tor' (gate). Variations may include Dorsch, Dorsh, and Dörsch.
As with many surnames, these variants largely reflect the linguistic and cultural influences of different geographical areas. It's worth noting that people do not always choose to adapt their surname, so there may still be many individuals who use the original spelling, Dors. Ultimately, the spellings and variants of this surname will vary widely depending on the individual's family history and background.
Famous people with the name Dors
- Diana Dors: Born as Diana Mary Fluck, Diana Dors was a British actress who was considered the English Marilyn Monroe. Known for her striking beauty and platinum blonde hair, she was a constant figure in British media during the 1950s and 1960s. Dors also appeared in numerous Hollywood films and television series.
- Jason Dors Lake: The son of Diana Dors, Jason Dors Lake was an English actor as well. He appeared in various television series and films, occasionally alongside his mother.
- Gary Dors: Gary Dors is a British singer known for his charity work and contributions to the musical industry in the country.
- Mark Dors: Mark is a British film producer and director, best known for his independent films that have earned critical acclaim in Britain and internationally. Please note that while Dors is not a common surname, these individuals have gained recognition in their respective fields and made the surname prominent.